1969 MZ ES 250/2

In the pantheon of oddball motorcycles, the MZ ES reigns supreme. Built in the former German Democratic Republic, it was nicknamed the “TV lamp” on account of the enormous square headlight. Owner Martin Kersting cheerfully describes the styling of his daily rider as “awful”. But he's lavished considerable care upon this oldtimer, restoring it and making a few subtle upgrades: a modern 12V ignition system, a new carburetor and military-style seating. MZs are renowned for rusting away: very little plastic was used in their construction, and East German steel was not of the best quality in the 1960s and 1970s....